Ibiza

With its reputation as Europe’s party capital to live up to, Ibiza doesn’t disappoint, with some of the continent’s most famous (and infamous) clubs, thousands of sun-soaked revellers and non-stop pulsating night-life.

Shopping

Ibiza’s Old Town features boutiques, nightclub merchandise outlets, international names and quirky gift shops – here, trendy threads can be purchased from Hippy Chick (Calle Santa Cruz 13) and Beautiful Creatures (Calle de la Virgen 11). Make sure not to miss the long-running Hippy Market (Avenida Punta Arabí) in Es Canar every Wednesday (April to October). In operation since 1973, shoppers can pick up nick-nacks at bargain prices while being serenaded by musicians. If antiques are more your thing, put a bid in at Casi Todo auction house, a veritable treasure trove in Santa Gertrudis.

Food & Drink

Ibiza is a culinary hotbed, with its mix of Ibicencan and international fare, locally sourced vegetables and abundant seafood. The Old Town is a great place to start, with restaurants overflowing onto narrow cobblestone streets – a locals’ favourite, La Torreta (Plaça de la Vila 10) is a great place for people watching. Chiringuitos (beach restaurants) are central to Ibiza’s foodie scene and range from small shacks to upscale hangouts – the cheap and rustic Fish Shack (Talamanca) and the ‘see and be seen’ El Chiringuito (Playa Es Cavallet) both serve wonderfully fresh fish. If you really want to splash out, try Lio (Paseo Juan Carlos I), a lively restaurant with hedonistic entertainment and fantastic views of the Old Town.

Events

Ibiza Carnival February Carnival events take place at various towns on the island during February, but the most notable is Ibiza Town’s parade, where residents don their glad rags and dance or sing their way along the city’s streets.

Good Friday Processions March/April Taking place throughout Ibiza, but most notably in Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia del Río, parades consisting of members of different brotherhoods dressed in coloured capes and conical hats meander solemnly through the streets.

Ibiza Medieval Festival May Head back in time as you walk shoulder to shoulder with jesters and knights, gaze in awe at intricate tapestries, and sample food of the Middle Ages during this three-day medieval extravaganza in Ibiza Town’s Old Town.

Ibiza Jazz Festival August Jazz may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of music in Ibiza, but this varied genre is celebrated at venues in the Old Town that host both international and local acts.

Radio 1 Weekend August Star DJs from the BBC’s Radio 1 take over the decks at some of the island’s largest clubs for a weekend of free sets and all-day, all-night partying. They’re joined by some of Britain’s and the world’s greatest club performers.

Hotels

For a small island, Ibiza punches above its weight in terms of accommodation, whether rural agrotourism hotels, affordable beachside properties or boutique in-town offerings. Agrotourism hideaways are a good way of getting a taste of the laid-back vibe of the island – among the best is the tranquil Agroturismo Atzaró (Carretera Sant Joan Km 15). Further south, Ibiza Town’s Old Town has boutique properties such as the luxury 14-room Mirador de Dalt Vila (Plaza de España 4) and more affordable options including Hotel Es Vivé (Calle Carlos Roman Ferrer 8). Avid clubbers will love the adult-only Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel (Playa d'en Bossa 1), which has rooms near the poolside parties.